Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with senior Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar following the death of his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
A tragic plane crash near Baramati claimed Pawar’s life.
The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. Ajit Pawar’s funeral will take place in Baramati on Thursday.
Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the last rites.
In an earlier statement, Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said the crash caused immense pain and grief.
He offered prayers for strength and courage to the affected families during the difficult time.
Ajit Pawar’s death sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political circles. Leaders from across parties described the incident as a dark and tragic day for the state.
Tributes poured in as colleagues remembered his public service and political influence.
Investigators have begun piecing together the final moments before the crash. The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd.
Ajit Pawar and four others were on board, including two pilots. All five occupants died in the accident.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft contacted Baramati airfield at 8.18 AM.
Baramati operates as an uncontrolled airfield. Instructors and pilots from local flying training organisations provide traffic information.
At around 30 nautical miles from Baramati, Pune approach control released the aircraft.
Controllers advised the crew to descend at their discretion under visual meteorological conditions.
The pilots later requested wind and visibility details. Officials informed them that the winds were calm and visibility stood at about 3,000 metres.
During the final approach to Runway 11, the crew reported that the runway was not visible. They initiated a go-around and repositioned for a second attempt.
On the second approach, the pilots again reported difficulty in spotting the runway.
Moments later, they confirmed visual contact. At 8.43 AM, authorities cleared the aircraft to land. No readback followed.
At 8.44 AM, airfield staff noticed flames near the runway threshold. Emergency teams rushed to the site. They found the wreckage on the left side of Runway 11, close to the threshold.
Ajit Pawar was scheduled to attend public programmes in Baramati later that day. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
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